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New ARRL Podcast -The Eclectic Tech - Episode 17

 

New ARRL Podcast -The Eclectic Tech - Episode 17

The ARRL has a new podcast and it is hosted by Steve Ford, WB8IMY.

The Eclectic Tech podcast brings news, interviews, and commentary about technology and science -- all with an amateur radio twist.

This seventeenth episode has the following topics: Identifying digital signals, and the spooky mystery of Long Delayed Echoes.

Stream:

As always, feedback is welcome.

Regards, Joe, N2QOJ


VE Test Session - Last Chance to Register

 

VE Test Session - Social Distancing Compliant - Saturday, 9/26/2020, 10 AM

Chuck, W7CBR, and friends will host a VE test session on Saturday, September 26th at about 10 AM, probably in Mesa.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in taking the tech exam or upgrade exam, you must contact Chuck to register.

THERE IS NO CHARGE!

Chuck will then fill you in on location and exact time.

Please contact Chuck at Rogers_Charles@...


QCECG weekly training net - 9/20/2020 @ 8 PM (20:00)

 

QCECG?weekly training net - 9/20/2020 @ 8 PM (20:00)

This message is directed to the casual ham radio operators out there.

If you haven't checked in to this net recently, please do so. It takes little effort to fire up your handheld, mobile, or base radio and spend a few minutes exercising your radio skills.

It's not a lot of time and effort to ensure that you and your radio station are capable when necessary.

If you can't spend a lot of time on the net, just check-in as a "Short Time" station. We will check you in and out and you can go about your Sunday evening.

Thanks in advance!

8 pm at 449.325 Mhz PL 100.0 Hz. - All welcome!

If you don't have your radio or scanner handy, then you can still listen over the Internet at?

Check in via EchoLink Node 185734, N2QOJ-R. If you need access, send N2QOJ an email at jsammartino (at) gmail (dot) com.



Fuddrucker's

 

Texas chains Luby's and Fuddruckers closing, may be sold following COVID-19 shutdowns

We may never meet at Fuddruckers for lunch again.

This article is 9 days old:






International Space Station Visible Tonight

 

International Space Station Visible Tonight

There will be another pass this evening but only lasting 3 minutes. The good news is that it will be very high in the sky - 72 degrees. If you have binoculars, try them. You will be amazed!

Treat your family and friends to a viewing of the International Space Station tonight. I find that even the most non technical family member or friend get a kick out of seeing the station as it moves across the sky at 17,150 MPH - that's 4.76 miles per second - and about 250 miles above us.

If you are an amateur radio operator, take the opportunity to relate how us hams can communicate directly with the ISS or through one of its transponders.

The ISS will be visible for 6 minutes and should be a good viewing and becomes visible directly from the West Southwest and disappears toward Northeast.

Time: Thursday September 18 6:47 PM
Visible: 3 min
Max Height: 72¡ã
Appears: 72¡ã above ESE (from 248 degrees)
Disappears: 11¡ã above NE (toward 45 degrees)

I've also attached an illustration that will help you determine how to use this information. You can watch and track the station in advance at this link:


And, something new! I've attached a chart of the actual pass.

Remember, these times are based on a viewing site from the Mesa area (and within 50 miles). If you would like to generate times from your specific city or town, visit the link and follow the instructions.

If your specific city or town isn¡¯t listed, pick the closest one. The space station is visible for at least a 50 mile (80 km) radius around each of the listed locations.

If you are an amateur radio operator, listen in (or work) on these frequencies:

Voice and SSTV Downlink: 145.80 (Worldwide)
Voice Uplink: 144.49 for ITU Regions 2 and 3

VHF Packet Uplink and Downlink: 145.825 (Worldwide) - easiest to hear

UHF Packet Uplink and Downlink: 437.550

UHF/VHF Repeater Uplink: 437.800
UHF/VHF Repeater Downlink: 145.799 (67Hz PL Tone)

Regards, Joe N2QOJ


New ARRL Podcast -The Eclectic Tech - Episode 16

 

New ARRL Podcast -The Eclectic Tech - Episode 16

The ARRL began a new podcast and it is hosted by Steve Ford, WB8IMY.

The Eclectic Tech podcast brings news, interviews, and commentary about technology and science -- all with an amateur radio twist.

This sixteenth episode has the following topics: A chat with Dr Jon Jones, N0JK, about 222 MHz. Is it really the "forgotten band?" Also, tips on shopping for coaxial cable.

Stream:

As always, feedback is welcome.

Regards, Joe, N2QOJ


Radios at Home

 

"Radios at Home" - Saturday, 9/19/2020, 10 AM till 12 PM

Heidi, K7ZAE, announces "Radios At Home"

Original Announcement:

Hello all! I am pleased to announce a way to be "radioactive" during the hotter, summer months. We will be holding what will be known as "Radios At Home." It will begin this weekend, and will be held approximately once a month. It will be just like the "Radios Under Sun Shade"/"Radios in the Park" that you may have already participated in before. The only major difference is that you would operate in the air-conditioned comfort of your own home instead of deploying to a park or other outdoor location. Of course, if you choose to operate mobile or portable, you may do that as well. The only rule to participate (just as it is during ) is that one must operate on off-grid power. That is, you may operate using any source of power besides being plugged into the grid (AC power.)

?The frequencies will also be the same as those which are used for RUSS/RITP. We will be operating simplex on 146.460 MHz. You may wish to use the designated PL tone of 77.0, but it is not required (but some participants may not hear you if you do not.) For HF users, we will be planning on using LSB 7.178 MHz if that is clear. Of course, you may operate on other frequencies or modes as you wish to make contacts. The point of this exercise is to continue to use our skills, to make contacts, and to have fun!


International Space Station Visible Tonight

 

International Space Station Visible Tonight

Folks - Good news!

Another opportunity to spot the International Space Station this evening as it passes over our area in Arizona.

It should be a great pass and hopefully the clouds will be minimal.

Treat your family and friends to a viewing of the International Space Station tonight. I find that even the most non technical family member or friend get a kick out of seeing the station as it moves across the sky at 17,150 MPH - that's 4.76 miles per second - and about 250 miles above us.

If you are an amateur radio operator, take the opportunity to relate how us hams can communicate directly with the ISS or through one of its transponders.

The ISS will be visible for 6 minutes and should be a good viewing and becomes visible directly from the West Southwest and disappears toward Northeast.

Time: Thurs September 17 7:31 PM
Visible: 6 min
Max Height: 55¡ã
Appears: 10¡ã above WSW (from 248 degrees)
Disappears: 11¡ã above NE (toward 45 degrees)


I've also attached an illustration that will help you determine how to use this information. You can watch and track the station in advance at this link:



And, something new! I've attached a chart of the actual pass.

Remember, these times are based on a viewing site from the Mesa area (and within 50 miles). If you would like to generate times from your specific city or town, visit the link and follow the instructions.

If your specific city or town isn¡¯t listed, pick the closest one. The space station is visible for at least a 50 mile (80 km) radius around each of the listed locations.

If you are an amateur radio operator, listen in (or work) on these frequencies:

Voice and SSTV Downlink: 145.80 (Worldwide)

Voice Uplink: 144.49 for ITU Regions 2 and 3

VHF Packet Uplink and Downlink: 145.825 (Worldwide) - easiest to hear

UHF Packet Uplink and Downlink: 437.550

UHF/VHF Repeater Uplink: 437.800
UHF/VHF Repeater Downlink: 145.799 (67 Hz PL Tone)

Regards, Joe N2QOJ


September VHF Contest

 

QST QST QST


For immediate release.


Greetings all fellow amateur radio operators!!


My name is Dan, N7DSX, and I would like to spread the word about the ARRL September VHF contest, which is coming up this weekend, Saturday-Sunday (12-13) from 11:00 AM Saturday to 759 PM Sunday Arizona local time. 1800 UTC Saturday through 0259 UTC Monday.


Over the last several years, the ARRL VHF contests have been gaining big popularity in Arizona as noted by the many unique call signs that those of us operating in the contest are making contacts with. The VHF contest allows for operation on all authorized frequencies above 50Mhz (6 meters through to the microwave bands) and operators will be using CW, SSB, FM, FT8, MSK144, PSK31, FSK441, and JT65


For those of you operators that might be staying at home this weekend, this is the perfect time to scan the bands and reach out to other operators that you may not usually have a chance to say hi to. The FM contacts are limited to simplex (no repeater contacts) and the operators are usually operating around the standard calling frequencies in both the FM and the SSB/CW segments of the band.


There will be many ¡°Rover¡± stations driving around the state trying to make contacts from as many maidenhead grids as possible and the rules of the contest are pretty simple. The main thing to know as an operator is that your call sign and your maidenhead grid square is your exchange in the contest and that you can make only 1 contact with each station in any single grid. The rover stations can be called each time they enter a new grid and that is where both the operators and the rovers can gain big points in the contest.


As rovers, my fellow operators and I put a lot of time and effort into making our rigs comfortable, efficient, and most importantly, we travel great lengths to make contacts in as many new grids as possible. We would be eternally grateful if you would consider not only joining in the fun and operating with us, but if you would also let all the amateur radio operators that you know about the contest.


You can be in it for fun, or in it to win it, but if you are near your radio this weekend, please join in the contest to help out your fellow operators and please tell a friend. Full detailed information and rules can be found at .


Hope to hear you on the air!


73,

Dan


N7DSX/Rover

Arizona VHF Society Member

East Valley QRP Club Member

?


Upcoming Local Events

 

1. General Meeting - Tuesday, 9/15/2020

The September meeting will NOT be held at the Charles K. Luster Building, but will be on the air and via Zoom instead.
Check-ins will be taken starting at 7 PM.? The meeting will likely go beyond the normal 9 PM completion.

Date: September 15th
Time:? Meetings start at 7 PM and are generally over around 9 PM.
Location: Zoom and the 147.12 repeater.

Non-members may request a Zoom?meeting link by sending an email to president@....


2. "Radios at Home" - Saturday, 9/19/2020, 10 AM till 12 PM

Heidi, K7ZAE, announces "Radios At Home"

Original Announcement:

Hello all! I am pleased to announce a way to be "radioactive" during the hotter, summer months. We will be holding what will be known as "Radios At Home." It will begin this weekend, and will be held approximately once a month. It will be just like the "Radios Under Sun Shade"/"Radios in the Park" that you may have already participated in before. The only major difference is that you would operate in the air-conditioned comfort of your own home instead of deploying to a park or other outdoor location. Of course, if you choose to operate mobile or portable, you may do that as well. The only rule to participate (just as it is during ) is that one must operate on off-grid power. That is, you may operate using any source of power besides being plugged into the grid (AC power.)

?The frequencies will also be the same as those which are used for RUSS/RITP. We will be operating simplex on 146.460 MHz. You may wish to use the designated PL tone of 77.0, but it is not required (but some participants may not hear you if you do not.) For HF users, we will be planning on using LSB 7.178 MHz if that is clear. Of course, you may operate on other frequencies or modes as you wish to make contacts. The point of this exercise is to continue to use our skills, to make contacts, and to have fun!

3. VE Test Session - Social Distancing Compliant - Saturday, 9/26/2020, 10 AM

Chuck, W7CBR, and friends will host a VE test session on Saturday, September 26th at about 10 AM, probably in Mesa.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in taking the tech exam or upgrade exam, you must contact Chuck to register.

THERE IS NO CHARGE!

Chuck will then fill you in on location and exact time.

Please contact Chuck at Rogers_Charles@...

4. Nets * Nets * Nets

There are some great nets in the Phoenix Valley. follow this link to the QCARC Net Calendar:



QCECG weekly training net - 9/6/2020 @ 8 PM (20:00)

 

QCECG?weekly training net - 9/6/2020 @ 8 PM (20:00)

This message is directed to the casual ham radio operators out there.

If you haven't checked in to this net recently, please do so. It takes little effort to fire up your handheld, mobile, or base radio and spend a few minutes exercising your radio skills.

It's not a lot of time and effort to ensure that you and your radio station are capable when necessary.

If you can't spend a lot of time on the net, just check-in as a "Short Time" station. We will check you in and out and you can go about your Sunday evening.

Thanks in advance!

8 pm at 449.325 Mhz PL 100.0 Hz. - All welcome!

If you don't have your radio or scanner handy, then you can still listen over the Internet at?

Check in via EchoLink Node 185734, N2QOJ-R. If you need access, send N2QOJ an email at jsammartino (at) gmail (dot) com.


Upcoming Test Session - Social Distancing Compliant

 

Upcoming Test Session - Social Distancing Compliant


Chuck, W7CBR, and friends will host a VE test session on Saturday, September 26th at about 10 AM, probably in Mesa.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in taking the tech exam or upgrade exam, you must contact Chuck to register.

THERE IS NO CHARGE!

Chuck will then fill you in on location and exact time.

Please contact Chuck at Rogers_Charles@...

This ham community message brought to you by:






QCECG weekly training net - 8/30/2020 @ 8 PM (2000)

 

QCECG?weekly training net - 8/30/2020 @ 8 PM (2000)

This message is directed to the casual ham radio operators out there.

If you haven't checked in to this net recently, please do so. It takes little effort to fire up your handheld, mobile, or base radio and spend a few minutes exercising your radio skills.

It's not a lot of time and effort to ensure that you and your radio station are capable when necessary.

If you can't spend a lot of time on the net, just check-in as a "Short Time" station. We will check you in and out and you can go about your Sunday evening.

Thanks in advance!

8 pm at 449.325 Mhz PL 100.0 Hz. - All welcome!

If you don't have your radio or scanner handy, then you can still listen over the Internet at?

Check in via EchoLink Node 185734, N2QOJ-R. If you need access, send N2QOJ an email at jsammartino (at) gmail (dot) com.


New ARRL Podcast -The Eclectic Tech - Episode 15

 

New ARRL Podcast -The Eclectic Tech - Episode 15

The ARRL began a new podcast and it is hosted by Steve Ford, WB8IMY.

The Eclectic Tech podcast brings news, interviews, and commentary about technology and science -- all with an amateur radio twist.

This fifteenth episode has the following topics: Talking with ARRL Product Review engineer Bob Allison, WB1GCM, about shopping for HF transceivers.

Stream:

As always, feedback is welcome.

Regards, Joe, N2QOJ




Solar cycle minimum passed in December 2019 I received this note yesterday from Jim, KF7E, our local propagation guru. Sounds like very good news! From Jim: "According to the stats, it begins to look like the very long minimum has passed. (Caveat: '...there are lies, damned lies, then there are statistics'." Was Mark Twain a ham ahead of his time?) But of course the day-to-day changes will not likely become obvious for many months yet... More info at http://www.sidc.be/silso/node/166 73, Jim, KF7E

 

Solar cycle minimum passed in December 2019


I received this note yesterday from Jim, KF7E, our local propagation guru. Sounds like very good news!

From Jim:

"According to the stats, it begins to look like the very long minimum has passed.

(Caveat: '...there are lies, damned lies, then there are statistics'." Was Mark Twain a ham ahead of his time?)

But of course the day-to-day changes will not likely become obvious for many months yet...

More info at

73, Jim, KF7E



Attention Weather Enthusiasts!

 

Attention Weather Enthusiasts!

Our friends at NOAA Phoenix report that the next few days - starting with Saturday - are shaping up to be the rainiest days of this Monsoon season.

Here are the frequencies to listen to for reporting activity:

Sector 2 ¨C Maricopa and Pinal Counties: 442.550 MHz ¨C PL 100.0 (Alternate - 147.08 MHz)
Sector 6 ¨C Southern Gila County: 147.200 MHz ¨C PL 162.2
Sector 7 ¨C SW Arizona 146.780 MHz ¨C PL 103.5
and SE California: 146.880 MHz - PL 162.2

If you are a current certified Weather Spotter, you can also report in through repeater, email or the 800 number.

Regards,

Joe, N2QOJ




Latest Ham Fest Flyer

 

?? Latest Ham Fest Flyer??


Upcoming Hamfests Flyer from our friends at?Arizona?Desert?Aire?Waves?(ADAW).


Use the link below or download the attached file:




Regards,

Joe, N2QOJ


Local Ham Club Activities

 

? Local Ham Club Activities ?


Check out the link (or attached file) for the September newsletter from Arizona?Desert?Aire?Waves?for the latest happenings in our local ham community.




Regards, Joe, N2QOJ


QCECG weekly training net - 8/23/2020 @ 8 PM (2000)

 

QCECG?weekly training net - 8/23/2020 @ 8 PM (2000)

This message is directed to the casual ham radio operators out there.

If you haven't checked in to this net recently, please do so. It takes little effort to fire up your handheld, mobile, or base radio and spend a few minutes exercising your radio skills.

It's not a lot of time and effort to ensure that you and your radio station are capable when necessary.

If you can't spend a lot of time on the net, just check-in as a "Short Time" station. We will check you in and out and you can go about your Sunday evening.

Thanks in advance!

8 pm at 449.325 Mhz PL 100.0 Hz. - All welcome!

If you don't have your radio or scanner handy, then you can still listen over the Internet at?

Check in via EchoLink Node 185734, N2QOJ-R. If you need access, send N2QOJ an email at jsammartino (at) gmail (dot) com.?


For Sale - Yaesu FT DX 3000 , HF/50MHz Transceiver - Excellent Condition

 

For Sale

Asking $1200?- Negotiable

Contact Info:

Conrad Sheldon (K1EC)

Phone:?480-645-4660?

Email: arsk1ec@...

Transceiver, FTdx-3000D, HF/50MHz, 100W, High Performance Receiver, Digital Decode, Color Display, Internal ATU, Hand Mic, FH-2 Keypad

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